Christmas Time is Here!
Surprise! It’s a Bonus Publication of My Favorite List to Build
Hello, friends! Can you just hear those sleigh bells ringing??! My toddlers are thrilled we are pulled out all the Christmas decorations this weekend, so what better way to celebrate the change in seasons with you than by dropping my book gift guide! I am one of those people who starts thinking about Christmas — and possibly even shopping — in July. It really does take me that long to figure out, find, and thoughtfully curate gifts for people on my list. Thus, in order to give you a head start, here is this year’s book gift guide for (hopefully) everyone on your list! And maybe with some extra time you can find the titles you’re searching for at a local indie or even second hand. Where applicable, I linked my full length reviews!
For the One Who Thinks They’ve Read Everything: Neither Wolf Nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder by Kent Nerburn
This book is a combination of an interview, philosophy, and wisdom. It made me think, I’m still think g about it, and I thought the audio was fantastic.
For the History Buff: James by Percival Everett
A retelling of Huckleberry Finn, this time from Jim’s point of view, Percival Everett captures a unique and challenging story with a fresh — and much needed — perspective.
For the Armchair Sleuth: You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego
A locked room mystery with lots of red herrings and tropes from the genre is worth the investment, in my opinion. A good friend of mine really enjoyed the audio, so I don’t think you can go wrong no matter what format you pick up!
For the Reality TV Lover: The Favorites by Layne Fargo
This book is pure teenage angst. Predictably entertaining, I enjoyed this retelling of Wuthering Heights more than I anticipated.For the One Interested in Policy: Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
This look at poverty in one of the richest countries on earth was fascinating. I learned so much about policy and how it impacts real people.
For the One Who Enjoys Tea and Cookies: The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
A sweet tale featuring an older main character who literally finds his family, this one will put you in your cosy feels.For the Science Lover: Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor
If you’re interested in start up culture, this may be a book for you. If you like stories where the main character’s first love involves a love of science, this may be a book for you.For the One Who Claims They Don’t Like Romance: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
I didn’t read this book initially because it was being sold as a romance novel. It’s not really. Just trust me.For the Traveler: I’ve Never Been Here Before by Ashley Campbell
This is one of those books I enjoyed way more than I thought I would. I kept reading bits and pieces aloud to my husband as Ashley told stories from their family’s year traveling. It was so inspiring, and really makes me want to do something similar!For the Lover of Complex Stories: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Historical fiction can be such a can of worms, but I enjoyed this look at a particular area of Korean life during and after WWII as I am not as familiar with their story. (And if you have a tiny reader, check out the children’s picture book also about the haenyeo women: A Spoonful of the Sea by Hyewon Yum — my littles love it!)
For the One Who Loves Unique Stories: Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
This book has such a unique point of view and I’ve never read anything like it! Best gone in blind, try not to read too many reviews lest you accidentally find a spoiler!For the One Who Loves Roller Coasters: Death Deserved by Jørn Lier Horst and Thomas Enger
A fast paced story, this book in translation (from Swedish!) will check off that last minute book challenge spot before the end of the year.
Need even more ideas? Check out a previous gift guide or some of my other posts with lists!
If you’re still uncertain, a gift card to your favorite indie bookstore, bookshop.org** (which supports indie shops!), or libro.fm (which also supports indie stores!) is always a good idea. Not only does it allow them to pick their next favorite (audio)book, but it also supports your local economy! I’d love to know what, if any, books you’re gifting for Christmas! Did I miss a category you’re looking for? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll give a personal recommendation!
**This bookshop.org link is baby’s first referral link! By using it, you’ll get 20% off your first order (cannot be a returning customer), and I’ll also get 20% off my next order. Happy shopping!